Meet the Woolly Guardians of CV Vineyard!
By van Zeller family
7 May, 2025
At Van Zellers & Co, we’ve always believed that great wines come from a deep respect for nature. And what better way to nurture our vineyards than by welcoming some very special, four-legged friends? That’s right—we now have sheephelping us on our journey towards regenerative viticulture in the CV vineyard!
A Furry Beginning
It all started on January 16th, when we received a group of Suffolk sheep to join our team. These adorable, black-faced beauties were brought in to help with natural grazing—reducing weeds, fertilizing the soil, and generally making our vineyard a livelier place.
And as if to bless their arrival, just a week into their stay, we witnessed something truly magical—a new lamb was born! It was a moment of pure joy, reinforcing the beauty of nature’s cycles right here in the heart of the Douro.
Rain, Mud, and a Cozy New Home
Of course, nature also brings its fair share of challenges. Shortly after our new residents settled in, the rains arrived. As the vineyard soil soaked up the much-needed water, we quickly realized our sheep needed a little extra comfort. So, we built them a small shelter, giving them a dry, cozy space to rest between their grazing sessions.
They seem to love their new home, and honestly? We love watching them enjoy it!
The Natural Grazers at Work
CV vineyard, our 3.3-hectare plot, is currently undergoing a regenerative viticulture transformation, and our sheep are playing a key role in this journey. Their gentle grazing helps us control unwanted vegetation without the need for herbicides, while their natural fertilizer enriches the soil, boosting biodiversity.
But these little lawnmowers are efficient! Before we knew it, they had eaten their way through all the herbs in the vineyard. So, we decided to expand their territory. Now, they happily roam the paths around the vineyard and even our olive grove, continuing their work of keeping everything neatly trimmed and naturally nourished.
New Arrivals: More Hooves on the Ground!
Just when we thought our little sheep family was complete, we welcomed new residents on February 25th—two adult sheep and two small ones!
Our little ecosystem is growing, and with more mouths to graze, the vineyard and olive groves are getting even more love. Watching these animals become part of our landscape has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s not just about their practical benefits—it’s about embracing nature’s rhythms and creating a healthy, balanced vineyard where biodiversity thrives.
Why Sheep? A Step Towards a Regenerative Future
Bringing sheep into the vineyard isn’t just a cute idea—it’s part of our long-term commitment to sustainability. Regenerative viticulture is all about restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity, and reducing our impact on the environment. Here’s why our woolly workers are a perfect fit:
- No More Mowers – Instead of using fuel-powered machines to control vegetation, our sheep do the job naturally, reducing carbon emissions.
- Living Fertilizer – Their droppings are packed with nutrients, enriching the soil and promoting healthier vines.
- Soil Protection – By gently disturbing the topsoil, they encourage better aeration and water absorption, reducing erosion.
- Biodiversity Boosters – More animal presence means more beneficial insects, microbes, and overall vineyard resilience.
The Future: More Sheep, More Growth?
With our latest arrivals settling in, we’re already dreaming of expanding the flock. Perhaps more little lambs will be born in the vineyard, strengthening our connection to this natural approach. One thing is certain—the sheep aren’t just visitors; they’re part of the Van Zellers & Co family now.
So, next time you open a bottle of CV Curriculum Vitae, know that it comes from a vineyard where nature leads the way—where woolly workers, ancient vines, and regenerative practices come together to create wines full of life and soul.
Want to meet our sheep? Stay tuned—we might just have some vineyard visits planned where you can say hello to these adorable vineyard keepers in person!
Cheers to nature, to great wine, and to our ever-growing flock!
